Reviews

The new label Backdraft kicked of with a 4CD release of Elvis’ 2nd Vegas engagement. Is it a worthy addition or replacement of what we already have?

Design

Labour of love: a lot of known pictures in perfect quality, but also quite some stunning new ones. That’s about all I can say about it, only the 100 page presentation is worth buying the set.

Content

Of course we all know a lot of the material that came to us before in several outings, being official or unofficial. It’s simply Elvis at his best, certainly live!

The CD with the opening show has the same overloaded mike as on the original Fort Baxter release, but overall the sound is way better. Madison tried to repair this overload, with a more or less negative influence on the sound in general, but for listening pleasure I prefer the Madison outing.

The 2nd “rough mix” CD is of perfect quality. It’s definitely not the same mix as on Good Times Never Seem So Good, it’s less polished and because of that closer to a live experience.

CD #3 is by far my favourite of this set some unreleased versions, mixed with known material in perfect sound quality. As a matter of fact in my ears it sounds better than the same tracks on FTD’s Polk Salad Annie (as far as these tracks are on PSA). Unfortunately the bonus material (mainly rehearsals) sounds a little less, but still very good.

The CD with the closing show sounds clear, with a little reverb compared to the Madison version of it. Normally I don’t like reverb at all, but here it’s done with taste, just a little bit.

Conclusion

If not for the artwork I still think the set is worth its money. Especially CD three is marvellous. A true collector’s item and perfect debut of Backdraft!